Danny Welbeck won't join Sunderland on a permanent deal

21 January 2011 04:31

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed there is as much chance of him signing for Sunderland on a permanent basis as Danny Welbeck.

Black Cats boss Steve Bruce is in the market for a striker after Darren Bent joined Aston Villa in a controversial £24million move earlier this week.

In form: Welbeck has scored six goals in his last nine Premier League appearances

Welbeck enjoyed a splendid first half-season on Wearside after joining on loan from Manchester United.

Even though he is currently sidelined following a minor knee operation, Welbeck has proved himself capable of being a Premier League striker and if Ferguson offered any indication of being willing to sell, Bruce would be first in the queue.

Unfortunately for the Black Cats chief, it is not going to happen.

Reach for the stars: Ferguson insists Welbeck has a future at Old Trafford

With Michael Owen unlikely to be handed a new contract in the summer, the chances seem high that Welbeck will become Ferguson's fourth-choice front man.

'Steve has as much chance of getting me,' Ferguson told Key103, when asked about the possibility of Welbeck joining Sunderland on a permanent basis.

'It is unfortunate Danny will be out for six weeks because he was playing so well. 'He has shown fantastic form and he is only 20. 'He has a long way to go yet but the signs are good for him.'

Sunderland lose another striker as Welbeck is sidelined for two monthsBruce reeling as Sunderland's star striker Bent gets ready to jump shipOwen still has a big part to play for United, insists United boss Ferguson